KNUST proudly celebrates one of its distinguished alumni, Tek. Ibrahim Mahama (B.FA. ‘10), who has made global headlines by becoming the first African ever to top ArtReview’s influential Power 100 list, the definitive annual ranking of the most powerful figures in contemporary art worldwide.
The 2025 list, released on December 4, 2025, marks a historic moment not only for Mahama but for Ghana, Africa, and the global creative landscape. Rising from position 14 in 2024 to number one in 2025, his achievement places KNUST at the forefront of international artistic innovation and discourse.
Mahama, now a PhD candidate in Painting and Sculpture at KNUST, continues to reinforce the University’s reputation as a centre for world-class creative and intellectual excellence. His doctoral research builds on a practice that is both academically rigorous and socially transformative, exploring the philosophical, historical, and material layers of contemporary art.
Internationally, Mahama is celebrated for his monumental installations constructed from repurposed materials, especially jute sacks, used to interrogate themes of labour, migration, trade, and collective memory. His works have featured across major museums, biennials, and public spaces throughout Africa, Europe, and North America.
Beyond global acclaim, he remains deeply committed to community development and cultural education in Ghana. Through major artistic and architectural initiatives, including the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (SCCA), Red Clay Studio, and Nkrumah Volini, Mahama has transformed the creative ecosystem in northern Ghana. These spaces support experimentation, curatorial practice, archival work, youth mentorship, and community learning, forming one of the most vibrant artist-led cultural infrastructures on the continent.
Ibrahim Mahama’s journey, from a passionate Bachelor of Fine Arts student at KNUST to a globally recognised artistic leader, continues to inspire generations of young creatives and scholars. His achievement reinforces the power of KNUST alumni to shape global narratives, lead innovation, and elevate African excellence on the world stage.